Chantilly Academy opened the new school year with more than 1,100 juniors and seniors from 18 different high schools enrolled in 20 programs of study.
"We're looking forward to this being another exciting school year," said John Wittmann Jr., academy administrator.
Congratulations to Davi Anson, computer technology teacher, who received an award for her gender equity initiative of increasing girls in technology classes. Dr. JoLynne DeMary, State Superintendent of Public Instruction in Roanoke, presented the award to Anson in August.
Chantilly Academy was also selected as one of eight schools by Cisco Systems to participate in a national gender equity initiative to introduce career possibilities in the field of technology.
The Air Force JROTC program, under the leadership of instructor Sgt. John Wilks, has added a drill team and will compete in regional and national competitions along with the color guard unit established last year.
With the retirement of Phil Mason, Chantilly Academy welcomed Dwannal McGahee as the new hotel management teacher. McGahee has a master's degree from Marymount University and had been the director of human resources at the Sheraton Hotel at Tysons Corner.
"We are delighted to have a person of Mr. McGahee's education and experience join the Academy staff," said Wittmann.
Beth Talley has been appointed chair of the Academy Support Team. New members of the Academy support team are Bob Yanku, Amy Swanenburg and Dr. Guida Askari.
Chantilly Academy students come from 18 different high schools and are expected to conform to the School Board's new dress code and Chantilly High School's no-hat rule. Academy students will also be issued an ID badge and be expected to wear it while on the Chantilly campus.
"It is important that students understand the Academy's professional environment so students can be successful here and continue the tradition of educational excellence at Chantilly Academy," said Wittmann.
"Eighty-seven percent of last year's seniors continued their education at colleges and universities and earned over $665,000 in scholarships."